Acts 20:1-16

Introduction:

1. This section details Paul’s travels around the Aegean Sea: Asia Minor, Macedonia, and Greece prior to visiting Jerusalem.

2. It also addresses the first of two major doctrinal issues in this chapter, the day and central focus of the assembly.

Discussion:

I. Travels in Macedonia and Greece (20:1-6)

A. This is a very abbreviated account of his travels; other NT texts give more details (1 Corinthians 16:1-8; 2 Corinthians 2:12-13; 7:5-7; 8:1-24).

B. It seems the aim of these travels was two-fold: 1) edifying the brethren, and 2) collecting relief for the poor saints in Judea.

II. The Assembly in Troas (20:6-12)

A. After arriving in Troas, they “stayed seven days” (20:6).

1. Why did Paul wait seven days on two separate occasions while hurrying to Jerusalem? (20:6; 21:4; cf. 20:16)

2. The church assembled on the first day of each week (20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:17, 18, 20, 33, 34; 14:26; 16:1-2; cf. John 20:19, 26; Revelation 1:10).

3. This is significant when working with Sabbatarians who believe Constantine changed worship from Saturday to Sunday in 321 A.D.

B. Acts 20:7 and 1 Corinthians 11:20-34 give the central purpose of these first day assemblies: the Lord’s Supper.

C. Could it be Paul waited seven days to worship with the church?

III. Making Haste to Jerusalem (20:13-16)

A. Several brief stops are mentioned with no detail of the work in them.

B. The narrative slowed when Paul arrived at Miletus where he met with the Ephesian elders one last time before going to Jerusalem.

C. The contents of that meeting will be the center of our next discussion, but all these dealings show how purposeful was Paul’s every move.

Conclusion:

1. Paul knew his time was limited with these brethren, so he practiced what he preached, “redeeming the time…” (Ephesians 5:16).

2. Serving and worshipping God must be the hub on which our lives turn.